'Less lethal' gun is still dangerous, argue critics

Tasers have been available to firearms police since 2003, although it was not until last December that the Home Office relaxed the rules to allow their more widespread use by forces.

The most recent official figures, which extend up to March this year, show that in London, Met officers have fired the weapons on 280 occasions.

The Home Office insists that Taser guns, which should only be used when an officer is facing violence or the threat of violence of such severity that they or the public could be at risk, are a "less lethal" alternative to conventional firearms and that the risk of death or serious injury is low.

But critics say Tasers can be dangerous if misused, claiming the guns have been responsible for several deaths in the US.

In one British case in 2006, Brian Loan, 47, died several days after being shot by a Taser in County Durham. His sister blamed the Taser, although a coroner recorded a verdict of death by natural causes, saying it was the result of heart disease.

More recently, Nottinghamshire Police referred its own officers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after a Taser was fired twice at a suspect following a struggle in the city. It was later shown on YouTube. The man was not hurt.